And secondly, it's not just for me, it's for the guy who made the original GSB game, and so it doesn't look like you made all this stuff yourself without giving credit. You weren't trying to do that, were you? ;)

Did you receive permission from Positech to use their art for a mod? I didn't realize until the recent posts above that you might have started this without their blessing. I think you should contact them if you have not and ask them if they are fine with this.

Did you receive permission from Positech to use their art for a mod? I didn't realize until the recent posts above that you might have started this without their blessing. I think you should contact them if you have not and ask them if they are fine with this.

If you credit the artwork to GSB/Positech and don't make money from the mod then I cannot see a problem. Plus, it is good free advertising for GSB. Yes/No?

How many people over the years have made Star Trek or Star Wars mods for various games. Millions I would say. Don't forget, we are only talking about still images here not full games. I know there was a problem with Teardown and Games workshop. So all the Teardown did was change the names. As far as I could see all the graphics images stayed the same, plus this game is/was free.

I think it can get a bit convoluted if you don't have permission. For example, if it is deemed that making a mod, even if it is free, hinders the sales of GSB and GalCiv then there may be a case for compensation. And from Matrix' position, if the files are available through their servers etc then they can be seen to be publishing the mod which could muddy the waters for them as well. Personally I think it is beneficial for them to allow it because it cross-promotes their games. Not sure about where StarTrek and StarWars are on this issue but I assume they turn a blind eye because it is made by and for fans of their movies so it gives them a longer life. Not sure how you would go if you used Disney characters but I think the story would be quite different.

I was going to take that kind of talk. I do not think the Stars Wars mod and the Star Trek mod have received the licenses to create their mod. Yet they are under development.

Gbs and GalCiv2 are excellent games, with completely different gameplay of Dw, why prohibit advertising for them. Especially since I do not sell the mod, is just for the community. Just for pleasure of gamers...

Their images and their worlds remain wholly owned by Positech and of Stardock.

Did you receive permission from Positech to use their art for a mod? I didn't realize until the recent posts above that you might have started this without their blessing. I think you should contact them if you have not and ask them if they are fine with this.

Regards,

- Erik

nicodede62, All Erik is saying here is that it would be appropriate and if nothing else a proper courtesy to ask cliff the GSB developer if he is alright with his artwork being used.Personally I think he'll probably be alright with it and happy at the advertising he'll get.He's getting one additional sale for the full game bundle from me later today or tomorrow and thats thanks to you posting this mod and letting me know GSB existed!

Also, Erik is spot on about needing to ask permission. Technically the BSG and SW modders should do the same. The owner of the copyright does have the right to approve or deny any use of their copyrighted material, and in this case if the owner sues, he/she/they will win. It's the techincality of the law...now whether or not the copyright owner would sue is another quesiton...more likely they'd simply send a cease and desist letter via an attorney.

Most of the time its better to ask permission rather than beg forgiveness...in legal matters, forgiveness almost always involves a cash settlement.

The only thing that might help with the BSG and SW (SW in particular) is the fact that it is widely distributed and could be considered part of the public domain. Also, I believe the BSG and SW modders have created their own models, which makes somewhat of a difference.

Not being a jerk, just pointing out that in all 3 cases, Erik's suggestion of asking permission would be prudent.